El Yunque National Forest

Mt. Britton Trail
Photo: Maria Ximena Hernandez

El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, is located in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo mountains, in northeastern Puerto Rico, about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of San Juan (latitude 18'19"N, longitude 65'45"W). Covering more than 28,000 acres (11,270 hectares), it is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of the oldest protected forests in the Western Hemisphere, originally designated as a reserve by the Spanish Crown in 1876 (the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere.).

The forest spans several municipalities including Canóvanas, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Naguabo, and Rio Grande. Its name comes from the Indian spirit Yuquiyu (Yokahú), meaning "Forest of Clouds", believed to inhabit the mountain peaks that dominate the landscape.

Despite being one of the smallest rainforests, El Yunque is an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot. The forest contains more than 240 species, including 26 species are found nowhere else in the world, along with hundreds of trees, plants, animal and bird species. Approximately 75% of Puerto Rico's remaining virgin forest is found here (1,270 ha).

Rivers and Water Resources

Eight major rivers originate in El Yunque, supplying fresh water to nearly 20% of Puerto Rico's population. In 2002, the U.S. Congress designated the Mameyes, La Mina, and Icacos Rivers as part of the Federal Wild and Scenic River System, recognizing their ecological importance.

The rainforest receives over 200 inches of rainfall annually, making it the rainiest place on the island. This abundant rainfall—more than 100 billion gallons each year—supports a variety of ecosystems ranging from lush rainforest environments to drier subtropical zones within short distances.

Flora and Fauna

El Yunque is home to remarkable wildlife and plant diversity. Visitors may encounter over 240 tree species, 50 species of ferns, 20 varieties of wild orchids, and countless tropical plants.

One of the forest's most beloved inhabitants is the coquí, a tiny tree frog measuring less than an inch in size. Named for its distinctive "ko-kee" chirp, the coquí is a cherished symbol of Puerto Rico and can be heard singing throughout the island at night.

The forest also provides critical habitat for endangered species such as the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata), one of the rarest birds in the world. This bright green parrot, with its red forehead and blue wing feathers, lives primarily in the upper elevations of the Luquillo Mountains. In total, about 50 bird species can be found in the forest. As a protected wildlife refuge, hunting is prohibited within El Yunque.

Forest Ecosystems

The rainforest is divided into four major ecological zones, each defined by elevation and rainfall:

• Tabonuco Forest
• Palo Colorado Forest
• Palma Sierra Forest
• En Las Nubes (Cloud Forest)

These zones create dramatic changes in vegetation and climate within relatively short distances.

Visiting El Yunque

El Yunque is one of Puerto Rico's most visited natural attractions, drawing over 600,000 visitors annually. The forest offers 13 marked hiking trails totaling about 24 miles, allowing visitors to explore waterfalls, mountain peaks, dense vegetation, and scenic viewpoints.

Popular activities include:

• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Picnicking
• Horseback riding
• Photography

Camping is permitted with a permit, and numerous picnic areas with shelters, parking, and restroom facilities are available throughout the forest.

The El Portal Visitors Center provides exhibits, maps, and educational displays about the rainforest's ecosystems.

Located less than an hour from San Juan, El Yunque is easily accessible by road, making it one of the island's most rewarding day trips. Visitors should expect frequent rain showers and are encouraged to bring rain gear and comfortable hiking shoes.

After Hurricane Maria

Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, El Yunque sustained significant damage and was temporarily closed while recovery efforts took place. Many areas have since reopened, with restoration projects continuing to protect and preserve the rainforest for future generations.

For updated information, visitors may contact the U.S. Forest Service at (787) 888-1880.
Postal address: HC-01 Box 13490, Rio Grande, PR 00745-9625

Other Resources

• El Yunque National Forest
• Jump into the Rainforest
• El Yunque
• Caribbean National Forest by USDA Forest Service